Top Santa Monica Day Trips

See Los Angeles’ most recognized neighborhoods and landmarks in a structured tour departing from Santa Monica. Travel by mini-coach with a guide who provides commentary throughout, reducing the need to navigate traffic or coordinate multiple stops independently. Designed for efficiency, this itinerary balances guided transport with scheduled free time, making it a practical option for visitors who want a broad city overview.

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

Explore the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles in one full day starting from our convenient location in Santa Monica. This comprehensive tour covers must-see attractions like Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign allowing you to experience the vibrant culture and sights of LA. Enjoy up to 40 minutes at each stop (an 1-hour for lunch), guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who shares fun facts and history. Travel in comfort on a luxury small tour bus with complimentary bottled water. - Full day tour lasting approximately 7.5 hours with six iconi stops - Just a few spots you'd see up close and personal include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, Muscle Beach, Rodeo Drive and the famous Farmers' Market at the Grove - The drive will be great as well we cruise past famous Sunset strip and celebrity sighting locations! - Ideal for families , first-time visitors to Los Angeles and those looking for an overivew of the whole city!

Los Angeles is filled with must-see landmarks, from the famous Hollywood sign to Santa Monica Pier. But neighborhoods are spread out, and it can be tough to make much progress with limited time to spare. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this easy half-day tour covers the highlights by luxury bus. Depart from Hollywood or Santa Monica, and take in destinations like Rodeo Drive and Griffith Observatory without dedicating days to sightseeing.

See Los Angeles’ key neighborhoods and landmarks in one full-day tour designed to reduce planning and travel stress. With hotel pickup included, you can focus on the experience while a guide provides context and local insight along the way. This tour offers a practical overview of the city, moving efficiently from urban highlights to coastal areas, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or short stays.

Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles' famous beaches, and beyond on this all-day guided excursion starting from Anaheim or Los Angeles. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with a knowledgeable guide and experience classic sites and neighborhoods like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Dr., Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.

See Los Angeles efficiently on a guided city tour that removes the need to plan routes, drive, or manage parking. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on understanding the city while a guide provides context across key neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a clear overview of LA in one day, helping you decide where to return on your own.

Experience the best of Malibu on a scenic, relaxed journey blending ocean views, iconic landmarks, and boutique wine tasting. Guests can expect a smooth, coastal drive along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean at every turn. Along the way, you’ll stop at must-see locations like Malibu Pier and the stunning El Matador Beach, where dramatic cliffs and hidden coves create perfect photo moments. There’s time to explore, relax, and take in Malibu’s laid-back coastal vibe. The experience continues with a visit to a beautiful local vineyard for a wine tasting session, where guests can unwind and enjoy handcrafted wines in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. This tour is private, flexible, and designed for comfort—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to enjoy Malibu in a luxurious yet fun way. Expect great views, good wine, and a memorable coastal escape!

Departing from Santa Monica, your Grand LA Tour is the most comprehensive way to experience the City of Angels. Spend the day on an open-air bus with unobstructed views as you visit four of LA's most iconic destinations — Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Original Farmers Market, and Griffith Observatory — with one full hour at each stop.

Experience Southern California’s iconic sights with this self-guided driving and walking audio tour bundle! Visit the star-studded Hollywood Celebrity Homes, explore famous filming locations in Los Angeles, wander through the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley, and discover the architectural beauty of Palm Springs. From the glitzy Rodeo Drive to the serene La Jolla Cove, this bundle offers an unforgettable road trip through California’s diverse attractions. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email, then download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Explore famous Los Angeles spots on this private tour for you and up to five guests. Visit Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, TCL Chinese Theater, Mulholland Drive, and capture a photo of the Hollywood Sign. Enjoy hotel pickup and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV with a private guide who handles all planning.

For visitors staying in Torrance, El Segundo, or Hawthorn, this full–day tour of Los Angeles with round–trip hotel transport is a hassle–free way to sightsee. Going with a guide eliminates the hassle of navigating the sprawling city on your own, as well as ensures you learn more than you could from a guidebook. Highlights on the itinerary include Downtown, the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, and Venice Beach.

California’s Highway 1—also known as the Pacific Coast Highway—stretches along the Pacific Ocean, and is known for its spectacular scenery. This private, self-led smartphone audio guide accompanies you from San Francisco to Los Angeles, sharing facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you pass. The app’s GPS functionality works offline, letting you explore independently at your own pace with lifetime access and no expiry.

Spend a day in paradise on this day trip to Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. After a smooth 1-hour ferry ride to the island, you will have free time to explore the island, or select one of the upgrade options which include a zipline tour, an undersea adventure, a scenic tour of Avalon or an ocean runner adventure!

Visit the majestic Giant Sequoia National Park on this private guided tour from Los Angeles. Enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and get up close to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth. This customizable day trip is perfect for families and anyone seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore hidden mountain gems, some short hiking and enjoy opportunities for wildlife sightings, including small animals. Experience the grandeur of ancient trees, drive through famous tunnel log, visit Moro Rock trail while traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Return to your hotel in the evening. - Private, customizable tour ideal for families and nature lovers - Visit iconic landmarks like the General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock - Includes national park entrance fees and bottled water - around 4.5 hours one way - Free hotel pick-up from various LA areas, ensuring convenience

Cover more of the famous Santa Monica and Venice Beach areas of LA than you would if walking on this electric bike tour. Skip the tour bus as you enjoy fresh ocean breezes and laid-back riding with a guide aboard an electric bicycle. Cruise the famous canals of Venice and cycle the trails along Santa Monica Beach, choosing if you want to use your own leg power or get a boost from your electric-powered cycle.

A private tour of Los Angeles allows for all the customization of a self-guided tour plus the benefit of a local driver and guide. Your guide navigates notorious L.A. traffic like a pro as you’re brought to must-see Los Angeles sights such as Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Malibu. Stop for photos ops along the way, plus get the local scoop on Los Angeles celebrities, history, and culture.

Explore the vibrant essence of Los Angeles on this 7-hour open-air bus tour that captures the city's most iconic sights. Visit four must-see locations including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the historic Original Farmers Market, and the stunning Griffith Observatory for panoramic views. With a live guide sharing expert insights, this is the perfect way to experience LA's landmarks without the hassle of navigation. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour combines culture, entertainment, and culinary delights in a single day. - Full-day open-air bus tour featuring Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica - Four one-hour stops at top attractions for in-depth exploration - Enjoy lunch at the original Farmers Market - Live expert guide providing insights throughout the journey

Explore the magic of Hollywood with the Warner Brothers Studio VIP Tour, where you’ll get an insider’s view of the film industry. Start at the VIP Tour Center with an introductory film, then dive into the world of popular movies and TV shows. Experience live filming, iconic sets, and fascinating props that have defined cinema history. After the studio visit, enjoy a signature Hollywood tour visiting the legendary Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring the handprints of stars like Marilyn Monroe. Hotel pickup and drop-off included for a seamless experience. - 3-hour immersive tour at Warner Brothers Studio (1 hour guided + 2 hours unguided) - VIP access to filming sets and exclusive behind-the-scenes content - After the WB Tour visit Hollywood Blvd., the Chinese Theater, Dolby Theater and Hollywood Walk of Fame - See Hollywood Sign - Complimentary hotel pickup for ease of travel

Full-Day Private Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate teams. Begin with a scenic ride into Downtown LA for a quick stop at Grand Central Market (coffee or snack optional) and views of landmarks like Walt Disney Concert Hall and LA City Hall. Then, head to Griffith Observatory for iconic skyline views and a perfect Hollywood Sign photo. Continue to the Walk of Fame, see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and pass Melrose Avenue’s street art. Lunch is at The Grove and Farmers Market (meals not included), followed by a drive along the Sunset Strip and a stop at Rodeo Drive. Pass through Century City and cruise by Santa Monica Pier for a photo op before finishing the day with free time at Venice Beach.

Full-Day Private Los Angeles Tour from Marina del Rey & Venice Beach This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Perfect for families, friends, or teams staying along the coast. Start your day with a stop at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA, followed by photo ops at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Head to Griffith Observatory for skyline views and the best shot of the Hollywood Sign. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, pass Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Melrose Avenue, then enjoy lunch at The Grove and Original Farmers Market (meals not included). Cruise the Sunset Strip, stop at Rodeo Drive, and roll through Century City. Later, snap photos at the Santa Monica Pier. Prefer beach vibes? We can swap Grand Central Market for a final stop at Venice Beach instead.

Cruise around Malibu in a vintage 1972 VW camper van on this half-day tour. Take in scenic views of the area’s coastline and mountain landscapes as you see popular attractions like Malibu Pier. Plus, make a short visit to a winery for a tasting. Choose between a morning or afternoon departure time.

Hit the road with this Central California self-guided driving and walking tour bundle! Cruise along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, take in the views of 17 Mile Drive and Big Sur, and explore the Yosemite Valley Floor’s grandeur. Immerse yourself in the towering giants of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and uncover the charm of San Luis Obispo. This bundle gives you the ultimate California experience, all at your own pace! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.